NCLEX-RN
NCLEX Psychosocial Questions
1. After a client has a spontaneous abortion at 12 weeks' gestation, the nurse notes that both she and her partner are visibly upset and crying. Which statement would be a therapeutic response?
- A. 'I'll be here if you want to talk.''
- B. 'Try to relax"?it'll speed up the healing process.''
- C. 'With any luck, you'll get pregnant again soon.''
- D. 'It's best that this happened early rather than having the baby die after it was born.''
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A therapeutic response in this situation is to offer support and empathy. Saying, 'I'll be here if you want to talk' gives the client and her partner the opportunity to express their emotions and seek comfort. It acknowledges their distress and assures them of the nurse's availability. Choice B, advising to relax to speed up the healing process, dismisses their current emotions and may hinder open communication. Choice C, suggesting getting pregnant again soon, minimizes their grief over the loss and may not be what the couple needs to hear at that moment. Choice D, stating it's best that the miscarriage happened early, is insensitive as it invalidates the couple's feelings of loss and grief. Grieving is a natural process, and the timing of the loss does not diminish its significance.
2. One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?
- A. 'You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.'
- B. 'Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?'
- C. 'Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.'
- D. 'You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.'
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse as long as the nurse does not perpetuate a client's denial. Option A is a negative response, implying that the client should not plan a party, which is not supportive. Option B is presumptive and may not reflect the client's true intentions. The correct response (Option C) acknowledges the client's positive plans and encourages her to enjoy her time with friends. Option D, while family is important, does not consider the client's wishes and choices, which should be respected and supported in this situation.
3. According to the CDC, which of the following age groups is most likely to meet the criteria for major depression?
- A. 18-24 years
- B. 25-34 years
- C. 35-44 years
- D. 45-64 years
Correct answer: D
Rationale: According to the CDC, individuals aged 45-64 years are most likely to meet the criteria for major depression. While patients in the 18-24 year age group are more likely to report symptoms of depression, when it comes to major depression, the prevalence is higher in the 45-64 year age group. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the CDC indicates that major depression is most prevalent in the 45-64 year age group.
4. The nurse assesses a 2-year-old who is admitted for dehydration and finds that the peripheral IV rate by gravity has slowed, even though the venous access site is healthy. What should the nurse do next?
- A. Apply a warm compress proximal to the site.
- B. Check for kinks in the tubing and raise the IV pole.
- C. Adjust the tape that stabilizes the needle.
- D. Flush with normal saline and recount the drop rate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: When encountering a slowed peripheral IV rate, the nurse should initially check for common factors affecting infusion rates. Factors such as the height of the IV bag, presence of kinks in the tubing, needle size or position, client blood pressure, fluid viscosity, and infiltration can impact the rate. It is crucial to ensure the tubing is free of any kinks and that the IV pole is at an appropriate height to facilitate proper flow by gravity. Applying warmth proximal to the site might help with venospasm, but this intervention should come after ensuring proper tubing flow. Adjusting the tape that stabilizes the needle or flushing with normal saline may be necessary later in the troubleshooting process, but these actions should follow checking for kinks and adjusting the IV pole height, which are less invasive interventions.
5. Which of the following is a true statement about palliative care?
- A. The goal of palliative care is to provide end-of-life care for a client as they transition toward death.
- B. Palliative care provides comfort and support for those who may have a terminal illness.
- C. Palliative care provides resources for funeral arrangements after death.
- D. Palliative care is a support network for family and friends after the death of a loved one.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on providing support and comfort to individuals who may have a terminal illness or severe symptoms. It aims to improve the quality of life for both the individual receiving care and their family. While it can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, homes, or specialized facilities, the primary focus is on symptom management and addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual. Choice A is incorrect because palliative care is not solely limited to end-of-life care but also includes managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Choice C is incorrect as palliative care is focused on providing care and support during the individual's life, not on funeral arrangements after death. Choice D is incorrect as palliative care is primarily directed towards the individual receiving care, although it may also provide support to their family and friends during the care process.
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